Surgery on August 2. Developed a clot day after surgery, so have been on blood thinners since, and will be for another 3 weeks. As a result, swelling has been very tough to beat because I haven't been able to take any anti-inflammatories.
I stopped physio last week after getting to 134 and -1. Knee was feeling as good as it could: walking with only a slight limp, driving, doing stairs just fine. A little discomfort but nowhere near the pain I've had in the past.
So after graduating PT, I slacked off on my exercises: biked 1x/day, and did half the exercises I used to. Now my knee is painful (probably a 4, but after living for three months with pain, who knows?) primarily on the outside and lower part of knee, and it clunks a lot, which I've come to expect. I probably know the answer (get back to exercising), but it seemed like it was doing so well and the PT said I could cut back.
Thoughts? Don't beat me up too badly.
Hello- maybe just get evaluation from PT to see is everything is ok and you are doing the right things, good luck with your blood clot, hope everything goes well, it sounds like you have come a long way, good JOB
Hope things continue to go well. Keep on doing the exercises. It will help. You need to keep working and stretching the knee.
Wow - I want to congratulate you on your bend !! That is fantastic.
I am at 6.5 weeks post op TKR and can imagine once I have met all those milestones I will be playing with what to do and how to manage the knee.
I do find ice a great help when things get worse pain wise. Can you use topical anti flam products ? I have been using one based on arnica right from day one which seems to have been a big help. Also increasing your fluid intake may help clear the gunk out of your system ?
The blood clot is a scary scenario - I had a scare but it didn't come to anything and that was bad enough !!
Maybe schedule a catch up PT visit just for an assessment ?
All the best I am sure you will find a balance.
O.k. to slow a bit and gradually slow down. Continue icing and elevation when possible. Like most things, the body has to do things gradually. Youll continue on your way. Rule of thumb: 12 to 18 months before you completely own the knee. Many folks are in envy of your great recovery.
Oh no...you don't get off that easy. Back in Brooklyn, we'd take you out to the rear parking lot...tire irons!!!
First, -1 / +134 is fantastic, especially 10 weeks p/o. I was at -1 / +128 after 9 weeks of PT...now 0 / +131. So on that account, you are virtually done. Even leaving the knee at -1 is no big deal...it will get better with time and exercise.
Ahhhh...exercise. Read that section in my post...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/the-tkr-experience-or-wish-i-had-another-kidney-stone--524499
Have to build endurance before strength. Light weight, lots of reps. Takes a while to rebuild quads, glutes and core. Think months; there's no "cutting back" until you reach your goals. Try some topical Volaren Gel (RX) for the pain and inflammation.
Clunking? The docs say that it could last 12-18 months p/o. Personally, I don't think it will ever go away. So what...trivial if you're strong and walking without pain. Freak out your friends walking down the street..."Hey, you guys hear that clunking sound?" "What clunking sound?"
Thanks everyone--even you, Chico, for the tire irons. Guess I retired the exercises too early. Rats. I apprecite you all!
Hi chicory
I've found your posts to others very helpful.
You have put in so much time and effort in replying and giving really good sound advice.
I've been told i need a FKR.
I have severe arthritis under my knee cap.
I'very been measured up for a Bio net signature series knee. The jigs (cutting blocks) are ready in place.
Chicory have you by any chance heard of this .
I'm not in great pain and just spent the weekend in London.
So confused as most people are in agony.
I had a second opinion in which the consultant adevised that I can carry on until I am in great pain or get it over and done with now before it gets too bad. I am 54.
Any advice is so greatly received.
Thankyou
Well, first of all, here's the definition of an FKR...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/two-guys-with-canes-limp-into-a-bar--534980
Honestly, I have no clue what hardware they installed. After a replaced hip and a fused back, I don't ask anymore. Just pop the hood and throw it in. Got 4 1/2 pounds of titanium in me right now...waiting at least a year for the second TKR. That will get me over the 6 pound mark...turning me into a Terminator piece by piece...
My second wife was a pharmacist and my current wife was a psych nurse for 30 years in state mental hospitals before brain surgery forced her retirement. Between my many ops and their knowledge, I've learned a few things...but I'm not a doc...not even close. Forty-five years in IT...all logic, no science.
If you're relatively strong and in good health at 54, you should be able to handle the recovery just fine, as long as you level-set your expectations. It's painful (yes, "agony" is almost always involved for a few weeks...definitely in my case) and long (6-9 months with residual effects possibly lasting 12-18 months...or more) for almost everyone...maybe you'll get lucky.
I'm 68 and 7+ months p/o. No pain, no meds, no walking aids, 0 / +131 ROM, sleep great. Still some stiffness and clicking sounds. I could have held out longer on Synvisc but I just didn't want to do the recovery (and the next one) in my mid-70's. Totally your call. If Synvisc is not for you and you don't want to live on opioid painkillers (not recommended), the TKR may be your best option if your docs have ruled out everything else.
I'll send you some links...